Bank of America is proud to join PBS and legendary filmmaker Ken Burns, along with directors Sarah Burns and David McMahon, to present “Jackie Robinson,” a documentary film highlighting the baseball legend’s legacy both on the field as the first African-American to play in the major leagues, and off as a prominent civil rights leader and activist for social change. The film represents the eighth collaboration in a long-standing partnership that aims to convene stakeholders around shared cultural experiences, inspiring meaningful dialogue on social issues and honoring those who have altered the course of history.
The film comes at a pivotal moment, offering an opportunity for discussion and reflection about ongoing social justice issues that encompass a complex evolution of the struggles and triumphs of the last 50-plus years. “Jackie Robinson” not only details the baseball player’s courage and determination as a champion for African-American athletes and pioneer for civil rights, it also highlights the powerful and courageous journey of his wife, Rachel Robinson, who fought alongside Jackie, bringing attention to women’s efforts to drive social change.
“Ken Burns has captured the spirit and legacy of Jackie and Rachel in this film, who were trailblazers and equal partners in the fight for social justice,” said Andrew Plepler, Environmental, Social and Governance executive, Bank of America. “Our partnership with Ken Burns and investment in ‘Jackie Robinson’ is part of our steadfast commitment to fostering an inclusive culture and honoring those who have altered the course of history.”
Bank of America began its partnership with Ken Burns on PBS with “The War” in 2007 and continued in 2008 with “The National Parks: America’s Best Idea.” The partnership also includes sponsorship of “The Tenth Inning” (2010); “Prohibition” (2011); “The Dust Bowl” (2012); “The Address” (2014); and “The Roosevelts” (2014).
“I’ve worked with the bank for many, many years, and I’m appreciative of not only their financial support to bring my films to life, but also their commitment to partnership and desire to create a collaborative environment to develop meaningful solutions for social change,” said documentary filmmaker Ken Burns.
Bank of America’s support of “Jackie Robinson” reflects its dedication to celebrating diversity and fostering an inclusive culture in the communities it serves, starting with its own workforce. One of the many ways that the bank does this is through the strength of its employee networks. With more than 200 chapters and 70,000 members around the world, these networks create a forum for discussion about the importance of diversity and provide an opportunity to bring people together around a shared cultural experience and the desire to learn more.
About “Jackie Robinson”
“Jackie Robinson” is a two-part documentary
by Ken Burns, Sarah Burns and David McMahon. The film depicts the life
and accomplishments of baseball legend and civil rights pioneer Jack
Roosevelt Robinson, who fearlessly crossed baseball’s color line and
continued fighting discrimination after his baseball career ended. For
more information, go to http://about.bankofamerica.com/en-us/ken-burns/ken-burns-jackie-robinson.html.
Bank of America
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Contacts:
Noelle Bell, Bank of America, 1.980.388.6791
noelle.bell@bankofamerica.com
